FAQs

What is the NDIA? The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency, whose role is to implement the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIA engages directly with people with disability and their families to complete individualised plans and provide funded supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australia-wide, government funded scheme that delivers supports and services to people with disability. Launched in 2013, the NDIS is the first scheme of its kind in Australia. When it is fully rolled out, it is estimated the Scheme will provide funding for supports and services to about 460,000 Australians with disability.  

Previously, block funding was provided by the government to agencies and community organisations. The NDIS has moved away from that system to individualised funding and support plans.  

Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals. Participants use their funding to purchase supports and services that will help them achieve their goals. This is designed to allow better choice and control over the supports received.  

CQS Support is an NDIS registered provider. This means that people with disability can use their NDIS funding to access our services and supports.

To be eligible to receive NDIS funding, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

Age
You must be under 65 years of age to access the Scheme.

Residency 
You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, hold a Permanent Visa or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

Disability requirements 
To meet the disability requirements you will need to prove that you:

• Have a permanent disability.
• Your disability substantially affects your ability to participate effectively in activities without assistance from others or technology.
• You are likely to require lifelong support under the NDIS.

Availability where you live
To access the NDIS, you must live in an area where the NDIS is available. In some of these areas, you also need to be a certain age to access the Scheme.

Early intervention
Early intervention is another eligibility category for the NDIS. You may meet the requirements for this if you can prove that receiving NDIS support now will improve your capacity in the future and prevent deterioration.

You can find out more about your individual eligibility through the NDIS Eligibility Checker.

(Note: Can you please connect this to the NDIS webpage? https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible)

You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to confirm your eligibility. You can also check your eligibility by going to My Access Checker ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist.

If you are eligible, you will be sent forms to complete and return to the NDIA, who will then process your application. If you are already an CQS Support client, we are able to work with you through your transition into the NDIS. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to attend a planning meeting with an NDIA representative (either face to face or via the phone due to COVID-19 restrictions) who will work with you, using information about your existing disability supports, to develop your plan.

Your NDIS plan is a document that outlines your needs, goals, aspirations and disability supports required, including any funding that might be received.

The NDIS will provide funding for core supports for everyday living, Capacity Building supports to improve skills and independence, and Capital to improve access and independence. This is also in your NDIS plan.

The types of supports that the NDIS may fund include:

• Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic, and daily life activities.
• Workplace help to allow you to successfully gain and keep employment or supported employment.
• Therapeutic supports including behaviour support.
• Help with household tasks to allow you to maintain your home environment.
• Help by staff skilled in aids or equipment assessment, set up and training.
• Home modification design and installation.
• Mobility equipment; and
• Vehicle modifications.

Each plan is developed with you to cover supports for up to 12 months.

However, if significant changes to a plan are required, based on a change to your situation, a change in health conditions, or the need for more time to explore support options, then the timing of a new plan can be brought forward or extended

You will begin to receive NDIS funding once your plan is approved.

Managing your plan and funds includes making payments to providers, expense claims processing, invoicing, and monthly reports. There are five ways you may choose to manage your plan and funds.

1. NDIA Managed – A service provider of your choice is able to claim directly from the NDIA for the services provided to you.
2. Plan Managed – You may appoint an NDIA Registered Plan Manager to manage the transaction and purchasing process of services. CQS Support offers this service through our impartial and dedicated Support Coordination team, both for support services provided by CQS Support, as well as other providers.
3. Self-Managed – You or your nominee can manage the funds directly, with responsibility for transactions with your service providers.
4. Automated Payments – Automated Payments can only be made for transport services. Funds can be deposited into an NDIS bank account weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
5. Combination – A combination of the above four options can be used together. The NDIA can offer advice on using your funding and how to access the services you choose. You can also contact CQS Support for advice and support.

If you choose to manage your funding, you will need to open a separate bank account dedicated to your NDIS funds. The NDIA will deposit money into this new account and you will then pay organisations for the supports they provide to you.

If you decide to appoint CQS Support as your NDIA Registered Plan Manager, or if you require support to manage your funds, then we will be given money directly by the NDIA to cover the cost of your supports.

Can CQS Support help?

Yes. CQS Support offers individually tailored and flexible services to support the needs of people with disability, including those moving onto an NDIS plan.

We can offer you:

• Individualised services tailored to you
• Expertise in providing a broad range of services
• Access to experienced staff who are reliable and responsive
• The benefits of our focus on inclusion and ensuring active community participation and interactions
• Flexibility in service delivery to meet your specific requirements
• Supports that focus on delivering results and helping you meet your goals.

No. The NDIS will not replace the Disability Support Pension. The NDIS is a separate national fund created to finance your reasonable and necessary support needs and associated aids and equipment. The NDIS is not means tested and as such, anyone who is eligible can apply for assistance, regardless of the Disability Support Pension or level of personal income.

For more information on the NDIS you can visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110.